ACB blows K15 million to probe Malawi cashgate: ‘More to be spent’

Malawi’s Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) has disclosed that it has so far blown K15 million investigating the corruption scandal in treasury that has swallowed up to a third of the budget of the impoverished country.

The corruption scandal christened ‘Cashgate’ first came to light following the near-fatal shooting of the budget director Paul Mphwiyo, who is thought to have been about to blow the whistle on the scam.

Addressing journalists in Lilongwe amidst a conference Forum for National development (FND) organised to ask Government on the actions taken on corruption and economic governance, ACB top official said their probe is facing difficulties.

Chief Investigation Officer for ACB, Dan Mponda highlighted that they are facing challenges in linking some properties to the culprits as they register their assets in different names which is making their investigations hard.

He said ACB expect to use more money apart from the K15 million which has been spent so far.

Deputy Inspector General of Police, Nelson Bophani who was present during the conference said they have made a good process with 27 cases opened and 12 cases submitted to the high court.

“We are working so hard to nail anyone involved but we ask people to be patient with us, such cases are very complex and will take quite a long time to finish and there is need for hard-core evidence before we make any move,” he said.

Foreign donors including Britain, the EU and Norway, who have pumped millions of pounds into reviving Malawi’s stricken economy, providing 40 per cent of its budget, have suspended all direct aid and made no secret of their fury over the systematic looting.

President Joyce Banda insists the corruption began 15 years ago and was ignored by previous presidents but that she has been working behind the scenes for months to put a stop to it.